“[An] ardent biography … Martin presents Olmsted’s era in all its glory, with the intimate affairs and staggering accomplishments of the great man unfolding against the vivid backdrop of 19th-century America.” — Publisher’s Weekly Read Full Review

“Engaging … Mr. Martin is good at shedding light on the less familiar aspects of Olmsted’s life.” — Wall Street Journal

“A wide-ranging, surprisingly revealing biography.” — Boston Globe

“Martin has succeeded brilliantly in bringing to detailed life the man he calls the greatest American that most Americans have never heard of.” — Minneapolis Star Tribune

“A fast-moving and fascinating narrative of the life of one of America’s great visionary figures.” — Buffalo News

“… a fine job in presenting the life of a fascinating American.” — Providence Journal

“The story of Olmsted’s life offers today’s readers an opportunity to see what effect one energetic and imaginative person had on the formation of today’s nation. The author delivers this fascinating story in prose that invites the reader to complete the book in one sitting – and then ask for more.” – Roanoke Times

“Reading Genius of Place feels like listening to Olmsted’s best friend dishing about the private life of a real person.” – Charleston Post and Courier

“Exhaustively researched and clearly written, this volume should become the standard for students of both history and design.” — Landscape Architecture

“Genius of Place offers more than the legacy of a man who accomplished ‘more than most people could in three lifetimes.’ Martin provides an intimate portrayal of the man himself, whose life was both blessed with genius and plagued by tragedy.” – E: The Environmental Magazine

“A revealing look at a still-underappreciated giant” — Kirkus Reviews

“Genius of Place is my favorite non-fiction/biography read this year. Like the man it is about, the book was enlightening.” — Chew and Digest Books